30 January 2026By Tom Collinstom@TheCork.ieFigures released this week by the Department of Housing, Local Government show that 474 previously vacant or derelict homes in Cork City and County (City 158, County 316) have been brought back to use, thanks to €25.8m in funding to Cork City and County (City €8.52m, County €17.32m) applicants under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant since the scheme launched. As more and more applications are approved, I fully anticipate this trend to continue and more previously disused properties will become permanent homes for people. “In a time of housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is simply unacceptable. “Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity to ensure existing properties are put to use for housing. The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been deliveredVacant Property Refurbishment Grant Statistics